Unique Hotels of Africa - Adams & Butler

Unique Hotels of Africa

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10th February 2021

Gorgeous vistas, unique architectural design, luxurious furnishings, impeccable food and wine, design and location – Adams & Butler explore the most unique luxurious hotels, lodges, and safari camps across Africa.

Shipwreck Lodge

Nestled within the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge captures a nautical ambiance with its architecture. The shipwreck-shaped chalets are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela current provides guests with a refreshing breeze. During your stay, guests can look forward to appreciating the harshness of the desert and the beauty of these solitary landscapes filled with geological history. Learn about the fauna and flora adapted to survive in these harsh conditions – all from the comfort of the restaurant deck.

Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia

The lodge is a sumptuous retreat from which to shelter from the elements, and wood-burning stoves, thick, fake fur blankets and hot water bottles keep out the Atlantic chill. Completely different from any other lodge on the continent, the interiors are a respite from the harsh environment and are soulful, calming and extremely comfortable. Shades of blue, burgundy, black and white represent the ever-changing moods of the Atlantic Ocean, while the use of recycled wood, rope, linen and cotton in the bedrooms is authentic yet soothing.

Activities at Shipwreck Lodge are focused around the wild and beautiful landscape. A stay at the property includes game drives amongst the desert and flora for wildlife sightings. Guests will also have the opportunity to discover the diversity of the desert adapted plants and insects that flourish in the sand, surviving from the moisture of the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean. Also offered are 4×4 excursions to the geographically remarkable Clay Castles and visits to the mysterious Suiderkus and Karimona shipwreck remnants, the Hoanib River Delta and the Mowe Bay seal colony. Unique experiences include climbing dunes to watch sunrise, enjoying al-fresco lunch in the shadow of Clay Castles, and spending an afternoon fishing for dinner. Guests complete their days full of exploring with expeditions to the spectacular dune fields for sundowners.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including Namibia, please see below:

Deserts & Dunes in Namibia
Enchanting Namibia Safari Tour
Wings Over Namibia

Chalkley Tree House at Lion Sands

Romantics, adventurers, and solitude seekers alike can discover the magic of an evening out in Africa – in complete luxury. Delivered by safari vehicle to this tree house, guests spend the sunset hours enjoying a gourmet picnic and spotting the animals that wander past (at a safe distance), before turning in for the night beneath a blanket of stars. The original hideout. Light only by the soft glow of lanterns and the absence of Wi-Fi create an au-naturel bush experience for two. But added creature comforts mean guests won’t be roughing it.

Chalkley Treehouse, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Chalkley Treehouse, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa

While lodging at Lion Sands, guests can spend time enjoying safari and impeccable culinary delights. This particular unique lodge is truly perfect for honeymooners, anniversaries, and those couples seeking a truly romantic escape.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including South Africa, please see below:

Grandiose South African Safari
Strange Creatures of South Africa & Madagascar
From Seas to Safari: The South African Big 5 Discovery

Birds Nest at Segera

Birds Nest at Segera is arguably one of the most innovative and luxurious sleep-out experiences in Africa. Perched above the treetops overlooking a river and endless plains, the Bird Nest is a new concept of nesting and sleeping like a bird – above the ground, with literally a 360 degree bird’s eye-view of this beautiful wilderness. The entire nest structure is built and designed from raw materials, such as farmed wood and actual tree branches which have been woven into a nest by local community members. The interior suite features all the trimmings guests could hope for, such as a fully-equipped bathroom with running water (solar heated) and a flushing toilet.

Birds Nest at Segera
Birds Nest at Segera, Kenya

Guests wishing to spend a night at the Bird Nest will arrive there just before sunset, after enjoying an exhilarating game drive or bush walk. The nest is lit up with lanterns, with “Sundowners” of champagne and culinary delights laid out on the top deck, and inviting beds (on the top deck and within the shelter of the first floor) prepared with luxurious linens and comforting hot water bottles, ready for the night ahead.

Adventurous guests will enjoy the magical African sunset, feast on a picnic-style dinner on the top deck and fall asleep under the sparkling African sky. The following morning, guests will find a surprise picnic breakfast on their doorstep, to be enjoyed while watching elephant, giraffe and other wildlife at the river.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including Kenya, please see below:

Best of Kenyan Safari
In the Footsteps of East Africa’s Tribes
Reconnect to the Kenyan Wilderness

Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership.

Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience.

Six opulent en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Bisate is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centered on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including Rwanda, please see below:

Gorillas, Migration & the Lost World Tour
Gorillas, Culture & History
Remarkable Rwanda

Highlands Camp

The Highlands has redefined the Ngorongoro Crater experience, offering an array of activities afforded by the camp’s exclusive location and a combination of comfort and contemporary style.

The award-winning camp with its eight domed canvas and glass suites is situated on the edge of a forest that skirts Olmoti Volcano. The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The camp feels remote, but is within easy reach of Ngorongoro, where guests can go on day-long game drives to spot lions, elephants and giraffes, with a midday picnic break under a shady tree. From camp, hike up to the top of Olmoti for staggering views, or take a half-day trip to the soda lake in Empakaai Crater, where thousands of pink flamingos congregate. Guests can also interact with the local community, learning about Maasai culture and walk the cattle back to the boma at the end of the day.

At night, gather around a crackling fire with a glass of wine or whiskey before sitting down to a delicious three-course dinner.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including Tanzania, please see below:

African Honeymoon Immersed in Nature
Treasures of Tanzania
The Chimps & Game of Tanzania

Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor is a peaceful retreat to start or end a safari in East Africa and has become an icon of Nairobi’s historical landscape.

Located in the leafy suburbs of Langata on a 140 acre sanctuary, Giraffe Manor offers a unique opportunity to meet the resident giraffe, all of whom are of the endangered Rothschild’s species.

Close up encounters with the semi-habituated giraffe as they put their heads through the windows at breakfast creates an unforgettable memory for guests. The inquisitive giraffe are always keen to be hand fed!

Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Giraffe Manor, Kenya

The Garden Manor is the newer part of Giraffe Manor built in 2011. The Garden Manor was created to provide accommodation exclusively for guests of our collection, so that the main house can be kept as open and accessible to all. Our resident giraffes regularly enjoy visiting both parts of the manor for treats. This means that you can book the Garden Manor if you are also booking another one of our properties for the same group.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including Kenya, please see below:

A Kenyan Conservation Crusade
Migration Extravaganza Tanzania & Kenya
The Circle of Life: Lion King Safari in East Africa

Underwater Room at Manta Resort

hole, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, above the water clad in local hardwood is a lounge, bathroom below a stargazing, sun tanning bed. Each one worthy of its own story.

Underwater Room at Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
Underwater Room at Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

While at Manta, partake in various activities, including diving, snorkeling, and cruising.

To view Adams & Butler’s itineraries including African exotic islands, please see below:

Romantic Honeymoon in Zanzibar
Wild Romance in Zanzibar
Botswana to Seychelles Beach & Bush Escape


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